The snow had fallen steadily all through the night, and no breath of wind had stirred the feathery flakes.

Thus trees and bushes were laden with snow crystals, while the spotless white was relieved here and there by some shining evergreen leaves which peeped out amidst their snowy mantles.
Ordinarily I should have been impressed by it.

Now, however, I could not help thinking of other matters.

One face was ever before me, and I constantly wondered whether she were in real danger from these strange men, and whether I should have any part in the labour of delivering her from them.

As yet I could do nothing.